With stories of companies signing up to Amadeus’ NCD-X platform coming thick and fast, the company has announced today it has renewed its level 3 certification, for the brand new version of its Altéa NDC standard, awarded by International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This version (18.1) of Altea differs from previous models in that it was created using a new industry model, designed in tandem with Amadeus, IATA and its partners to “provide a consistent industry repository and methodology to help define the use and structure of new and existing standards”.

Speaking about the accreditation Gianni Pisanello, vice president for the Amadeus NDC-X programme, said: “We’ve been working hand in hand with IATA and other industry partners to test and improve this latest version of the standard, which will help to drive industrialisation and adoption.

“Version 18.1 and the new data model means that NDC messages between airlines and third parties – whether aggregators, travel sellers or corporations – now have a more defined structure.”

“The first company to be certified on the 18.1 version”

Pisanello added: “In simple terms, this means that we are getting a step closer to the milestone when all the industry players will be able to speak and interpret the NDC language, in the same way, which is a key benefit for the whole industry.

“We’re pleased to be the first company to be certified on the 18.1 version, as proof of our ongoing partnership with IATA and our commitment to making NDC work for the industry.”

“Our NDC standard and the certification process is going from strength to strength, and we’re excited to see how NDC is helping to usher in a new era of airline retailing,” commented Yanik Hoyles, director of new distribution capability program at IATA. “Amadeus has always been an active member of our NDC working groups, and this certification is testament to its collaborative approach.”